Hurricane Preparedness

Learn How to Prepare for a Tropical Storm

We’ve all seen the dramatic effect hurricanes can have – both the initial wind and rain and the floods and devastation that follow. But, there are steps you can take to stay safe and reduce damage to your property in the event of a storm.

Before a Hurricane

Know What Your Insurance Covers and How Much You Need

Homeowners insurance typically covers the cost to repair common hurricane damage, including damage to roofs and walls, cars and your personal belongings.

If you can’t live in your home, Safeco may help pay for
additional living expenses as provided in your policy. Review your policy for detailed coverage explanations.

Work with an independent
building contractor to get a precise estimate, and talk to your independent insurance agent about your home’s unique features to help determine your cost to rebuild, and update yearly as needed.

Flood Damage from Hurricanes Isn’t Covered by Property InsuranceNeither home nor business insurance covers flood damage from a hurricane, including floods from storm surges. Your local Safeco agent can help you purchase a policy through the National Flood Insurance Program.

What to Do Before the Storm

Install storm shutters.

Remove yard debris, such as dead tree limbs, that could become flying missiles.

Have a safe place to park your cars and/or store your boat.

Make sure you, your family and/or employees know how to shut off utilities.

Look through your emergency kit to ensure it’s fully stocked and up to date with necessities for all household members, including pets.

Back up computer records and store them at least 50 miles offsite.

Gather important papers, including inventory lists and insurance information, to take with you if you must evacuate.

Plus, learn which areas of your property are most prone to hurricane damage and tips to strengthen them in our hurricane preparedness blog.

During a Hurricane

What to Do if a Hurricane Is Headed Your Way

Indoors

Avoid elevators.

Stay inside and away from windows, skylights and glass doors.

Know your community’s evacuation plan and, if asked to evacuate, do so immediately.

Driving

Avoid washed out and wet roads that can hide downed electrical lines or underlying currents that can carry your vehicle away.

Insurance is offered by Safeco Insurance Company of America and/or its affiliates, with their principal place of business at 175 Berkeley Street, Boston, Massachusetts, 02116. This website provides a simplified description of coverage. Nothing stated herein creates a contract. All statements made are subject to the provisions, exclusions, conditions and limitations of the applicable insurance policy. Please refer to actual policy forms for complete details regarding the coverage discussed. If the information in these materials conflicts with the policy language that it describes, the policy language prevails. Coverages and features not available in all states. Eligibility is subject to meeting applicable underwriting criteria.